How to tell if you need a second passport

  NIENKE HEUTINK-POTTER, SENIOR CONSULTANT

If it’s taking up too much time applying for visas for your international travel, or you wish you had an alternative tax base or lifestyle option in the future for you and your kids, maybe it’s time to seriously consider a second passport?

Having a second of multiple passports gives you the advantages of free movement along with the possibility of quick relocation should your circumstances change.

We advise which passports and residencies would be beneficial for you to pursue based on your needs and situation, and which will result in a portfolio which contains all the necessary components for a full, free and truly international life.

There are five key indicators that you could benefit from a second passport:

1. You’re limited in the places you can travel to easily. 

If you spend a lot of time and energy applying for visas for your international travel, you will deeply understand the absolute joy of not having to think about visa applications, embassy interviews for your business and personal travel. The five Caribbean jurisdictions where you can apply for second citizenship, offer excellent visa-free travel privileges. Compare the visa-free travel list of the five countries here. 

1. You’re feeling fed up with your home country.

If you’ve been living in the same country for some years, and generally feeling fed up, perhaps you should consider your options? A second passport does not mean you have to leave your home country forever. The majority of countries allow dual or multiple citizenships so you can spend some of your life in another country and return when you’re ready. Living in another country is often a very healthy and beneficial experience for individuals and families.

1. You want to ensure your family has a backup plan, ‘Plan B’

We aren’t all lucky enough to live in peaceful, well-run countries. Some countries experience civil unrest, social malaise or worse, war and dictatorships. In the event that peace was to be up-ended in your home country, it’s extremely worthwhile having a ‘Plan B.’ Owning a home in another country does not necessarily give you the right to travel there (the Covid Pandemic is a case in point), however as a citizen of another country, you have a right to enter and the passport may also allow you to exit a country you cannot otherwise depart.

1. You are seriously considering moving to a low-tax jurisdiction. 

Many people find themselves wanting to relocate and work remotely in a country where they will pay less tax. Often low-tax countries cannot offer the quality medical and educational infrastructure that you would like, but that’s not always the case. Look closely, and you will see that many low-tax jurisdictions, in fact, offer a high quality of life. Speaking with someone who has been through it and whom can give you the benefit of their years of experience is key.

1. You want to make an immediate move to a tropical country and live a healthier lifestyle

The five Caribbean jurisdictions where you can apply for second citizenship not only offer a tropical climate where beaches are easily accessible for a cool dip, but also a healthier and safe lifestyle. For instance, in St. Lucia, primary health care services are decentralized and offered at 34 health centres scattered throughout the island. Antigua and Barbuda is known for their universal health care and some of the best educational and medical infrastructure in the region. In fact, in 2019 The University of West Indies opened a campus in Five Islands, Antigua, where you can get a world-class education with a real Caribbean experience and Antigua is home to one of only three Baccalaureate international schools in the Caribbean. Grenada is known for their top-class education experience as well. St. George’s University is a private medical school and international university in Grenada, offering degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, the health sciences, nursing, arts and sciences, and business. These are just a few highlights from a few of the islands that offer second citizenship. St Kitts and Nevis has over 4,000 international students at its veterinarian and medical schools.

Second citizenships or alternative passports empower us to leverage two valuable resources: time and energy. The time saved on visa-free travel administration frees you to focus on your business and life.

Assessing alternative bases for yourself and your family and positing a new country to base yourself in, is worthwhile if you want to maximize your enjoyment of life and open new doors of opportunity.

How could a second passport improve your life? Talk to us today to discuss your goals and options.

How do I begin the process and get a bespoke quote for myself and my family?

If you’d like to speak to us, please either send us a webchat (click the icon bottom right of this page), email or book in for a video consultation easily in our partner calendar. We find video conferencing to be the most efficient use of your time to ascertain the best program for you and your family. We encourage you to take advantage of it since your first consultation is free of charge.